The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast - Dr. Ilaria Minussi: Amino Acids And Pig Behavior | Ep. 213

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ilaria Minussi, postdoctoral research associate at Texas A&M University, explains how low protein diets influence pig behavior and performance. She discusses amino acid deficiencies, tail biting risk, and how pigs adjust feed intake when nutritional needs are unmet. Dr. Minussi highlights welfare, environmental impact, and practical formulation challenges for modern swine systems. Discover actionable insight for nutrition professionals. Listen now on all major platforms!

Click here to read the full research articles:

• Amino acid supplementation counteracts negative effects of low protein diets on tail biting in pigs more than extra environmental enrichment
• Pigs Can Detect Multiple Amino Acid Deficiencies in a Choice Feeding Setting

What you’ll learn: 

• Low protein diets
• Amino acids behavior
• Tail biting risk
• Diet choice ability
• Beyond growth targets

Meet the guest:

Dr. Ilaria Minussi is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Texas A&M University, working within the Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity. She earned her PhD at Wageningen University and Research, focusing on animal nutrition and adaptation physiology. Her work explores how amino acid supply influences pig behavior, welfare, and performance in commercial systems. 

Learn more with Dr. Ilaria Minussi on The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

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